In a letter addressed to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has raised urgent concerns regarding the recent arrest of 37 Tamil fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities. The incident, which occurred on September 21, has sparked calls for immediate diplomatic intervention to secure their release.
According to Gandhi’s correspondence, the fishermen, who hail from the Mayiladuthurai Parliamentary Constituency, were apprehended while attempting to rescue a distressed Sri Lankan boat. Despite their efforts to seek assistance from Sri Lankan authorities, they were reportedly arrested on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line. The fishermen’s boats, described as community property, were also seized during the incident.
"I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you regarding the arrest of 37 Tamil fishermen, and the seizure of their boats by Sri Lankan authorities on September 21, 2024. Adv. R. Sudha, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Mayiladuthurai Parliamentary Constituency, informed me that the arrested fishermen are small-scale fisherfolk operating close to the coast and that on the day of the incident, they had attempted to rescue a Sri Lankan boat in distress," Rahul Gandhi stated in the letter.
"It was stated that despite contacting Sri Lankan authorities for assistance with the rescue, the fishermen were arrested on the ground for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line. Furthermore, the fishing boats seized were community property purchased through pooled resources. A copy of Adv. R. Sudha's representation is enclosed herewith," he added.
Advocate R. Sudha, a Member of Parliament from Mayiladuthurai, brought the issue to Gandhi's attention, highlighting the precarious situation of small-scale fisherfolk in the region. "These individuals were merely acting in good faith to assist those in distress," Gandhi noted in his letter. "It is troubling that their humanitarian efforts have led to such severe consequences."
The letter further condemned the repeated apprehensions of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities, characterising these actions as unjust and detrimental to the livelihoods of many families. Gandhi urged the government to take a strong stance on the matter, emphasising the need for swift diplomatic efforts to ensure the fishermen’s release and the return of their seized boats.
"The recurring incidents of small and marginal Indian fishermen being apprehended by Sri Lankan authorities, and the unjust seizure of assets and imposition of hefty fines by them warrant strict condemnation. I request you to kindly take up this matter with the Sri Lankan authorities and ensure the early release of the fishermen and their boats," the letter said.
In his conclusion, Gandhi reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the affected families and expressed hope for a prompt resolution to the crisis. "It is crucial that we stand by our fisherfolk and protect their rights," he stated.
Notably, the arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy have been a concerning issue for both the Tamil Nadu government as well as the BJP-led central government. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has written to EAM Jaishankar multiple times. Responding to one of his letters, Jaishankar assured him of pro-active action by the Centre on the issue and said that the Indian High Commission in Colombo and the Consulate in Jaffna have been expeditiously and consistently taking up such cases for the early release of those detained.
The issue was also discussed during the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe during the latter's visit to India in July last year.
